Federal authorities, including the FBI, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard Investigative Services, boarded the Maersk Saltoro in Baltimore on Saturday as part of a court-authorized investigation.
The Maersk Saltoro is managed by Synergy Marine Private Ltd., the same company responsible for operating the cargo ship Dali, which caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March.
On March 26, the Dali lost power and collided with the bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers who were conducting overnight repairs. The crash also caused significant damage to some of Interstate 695 and shut down the port for several months.
Singapore-Based Companies
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Synergy Marine and the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., both Singapore-based companies. The lawsuit alleges negligence and cost-cutting measures that contributed to the bridge collapse.
The federal government is seeking more than $100 million for disaster response costs, while Maryland is expected to pursue separate compensation for the bridge reconstruction.
A criminal investigation into the collapse is also ongoing, focusing on whether the crew was aware of the ship's malfunction prior to departure.